Marble sites unearthed in the Greek Islands

Three ancient Karystos shale marble quarries have been discovered on the Greek island of Evia.

The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports announced that the discoveries were made during the installation of new wind turbine parks.

In ancient times, particularly throughout the Roman period, marble was quarried extensively on Evia, the second-largest and closest island to Athens. The popularity of Karystian marble in Rome saw it used extensively in the construction of monolithic pillars, including those still standing in the Roman Agora. The same stone can also still be seen in famous landmarks in Athens, including at Hadrian’s Library.

When the ancient quarry of Anatoli in Kafireas was unearthed, two main faces of rock that had previously been partially covered with dirt were revealed. The principal rock faces used for mining are at different heights, carved into the side of the mountain.

Large rectangular blocks were also scattered around the immediate area. Archaeologists working at the site spotted two columns under a layer of fine mining gravel. Half of each column had crumbled away into stone chips.

The Trikorfos quarry, discovered nearby, is located high up on a rocky hillside. Archaeologists have uncovered two small rock faces that bear the marks of mining activity.

At a second Trikorfos quarry, there were a number of other structures uncovered, including a small circular object thought to be used for collecting water. It was covered with slate slabs, which are believed to have been used for washing mining tools.